Mummy’s Mule: A Spooky Twist on the Classic Moscow Mule

Ingredients

The Mummy’s Mule features the classic Moscow Mule ingredients, plus some creative garnishes to bring your mummy to life. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 2 oz Vodka (Choose a high-quality vodka like Tito’s or Smirnoff for a smooth base)
• ½ oz Fresh lime juice (Always freshly squeezed for the best flavor)
• 4-6 oz Ginger beer (Use a good-quality ginger beer for a robust, spicy kick)
• Ice (For serving)
• Lime wedge or wheel (For garnish)
• Gauze, bandages, or white cloth strips (For wrapping the mug)
• Candy eyes or small googly eyes (For decoration)

Ingredient Notes:

• Vodka: A smooth, neutral vodka is ideal for this cocktail, letting the bright flavors of the lime and ginger beer shine through. Flavored vodkas, such as ginger or lime, can add an extra layer of flavor if desired.
• Ginger Beer: The choice of ginger beer can dramatically affect the taste of your Mummy’s Mule. Opt for a bold, spicy ginger beer like Fever-Tree or Goslings for the best results. If you prefer a milder spice level, choose a lighter ginger beer.
• Lime Juice: Freshly squeezed lime juice is essential for the tart, refreshing flavor that complements the sweetness and spice of the ginger beer. Bottled lime juice lacks the same brightness and should be avoided if possible.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Creating a Mummy’s Mule is easy and fun, and the end result is a delicious cocktail with a spooky twist. Here’s how to make it:

1. Prepare the Mummy Mug

Take a copper mug and wrap it with gauze, bandages, or white cloth strips, leaving gaps to mimic a mummy’s appearance. Secure the ends with tape or adhesive so they don’t unravel. Attach candy eyes or small googly eyes near the top of the mug, making sure they are visible through the bandages. This step transforms your classic copper mug into a charming Halloween-themed vessel.

2. Fill the Mug with Ice

Fill the wrapped copper mug with ice cubes, almost to the top. Using plenty of ice ensures the drink stays cold and refreshing, while also helping to dilute the strong flavors of the ginger beer and vodka just enough.

3. Add Vodka and Lime Juice

Measure 2 oz of vodka and pour it over the ice. Then, add ½ oz of freshly squeezed lime juice. Use a jigger to ensure accurate measurements, as too much lime can overpower the drink, while too little won’t provide enough tartness to balance the sweetness of the ginger beer.

4. Top with Ginger Beer

Pour 4-6 oz of ginger beer into the mug, depending on your preference for spice and sweetness. Stir gently with a bar spoon to combine all the ingredients without losing too much of the carbonation. This step is crucial for blending the flavors while maintaining the drink’s refreshing, fizzy texture.

5. Garnish and Serve

Garnish the Mummy’s Mule with a lime wedge or wheel on the rim of the mug. For an extra fun touch, you can also add a small plastic spider or other Halloween-themed decorations to the mug. Serve immediately and enjoy your festive and refreshing Mummy’s Mule!

Flavor Profile and Tasting Notes

The Mummy’s Mule is a deliciously refreshing cocktail with a vibrant blend of tangy, sweet, and spicy flavors. Here’s what you can expect from each sip:

1. Initial Taste: The first sip delivers a crisp, tangy hit of lime juice, followed by the smooth warmth of vodka. The ginger beer’s effervescence adds a lively, sparkling texture that tingles on the palate.
2. Mid-Palate: As you continue to sip, the spicy kick of the ginger beer becomes more pronounced, balanced by the vodka’s subtle heat and the lime’s acidity. The combination of these elements creates a harmonious blend that’s both invigorating and satisfying.
3. Finish: The finish is long and clean, with the lingering spice of ginger and a hint of citrus freshness. The ginger beer’s natural sweetness rounds out the drink, leaving a pleasant, slightly sweet aftertaste.

Overall, the Mummy’s Mule is a delightful cocktail that balances refreshing citrus and robust spice, making it perfect for any occasion where you want to serve something both delicious and visually fun.

Garnishing and Presentation

The presentation of the Mummy’s Mule is all about creativity and fun. Here are some tips and ideas to make your mummy-themed cocktail stand out:

1. Gauze or Bandages: Wrapping the copper mug with gauze, bandages, or white cloth strips is essential to achieving the mummy look. Make sure to leave some gaps for the “eyes” to peek through, and secure the ends tightly to prevent unraveling.
2. Candy Eyes: Attach candy eyes or small googly eyes to the mug for a playful, spooky effect. If using candy eyes, a dab of frosting or syrup can help them stick to the gauze. For a more durable option, small adhesive-backed googly eyes work well and can be easily removed later.
3. Lime Wedge or Wheel: A classic garnish for a Moscow Mule, a lime wedge or wheel adds a pop of color and a fresh citrus aroma to the drink. You can also notch the lime to make it look like a mouth for your mummy.
4. Halloween Decorations: Enhance the spooky vibe with small plastic spiders, bats, or other Halloween-themed decorations attached to the mug. A fake spider crawling up the side of the mug or a mini bat hanging from the handle adds a fun, creepy touch.

Serve the Mummy’s Mule in a fully wrapped copper mug for the best visual effect. The contrast between the bright, refreshing drink and the eerie, mummy-like appearance makes this cocktail a standout at any Halloween party or themed gathering.

Pairing Suggestions

The Mummy’s Mule pairs well with a variety of appetizers and snacks, especially those with bold, spicy, or citrus flavors. Here are some pairing ideas to complement its vibrant and refreshing profile:

1. Spicy Appetizers: The cooling effect of the Mule pairs well with spicy appetizers like buffalo wings, jalapeño poppers, or spicy shrimp. The ginger beer’s spice complements these dishes while the lime helps cut through the heat.
2. Tacos and Quesadillas: The tangy lime and ginger flavors are a perfect match for Mexican-inspired dishes like fish tacos, chicken quesadillas, or nachos topped with fresh salsa and guacamole.
3. Cheese Boards: A selection of sharp and tangy cheeses, such as cheddar, gouda, or blue cheese, pairs nicely with the crisp flavors of the Mummy’s Mule. Add some fresh fruit and nuts for a well-rounded board.
4. Citrus Desserts: Light, citrusy desserts like lemon bars, key lime pie, or citrus sorbet enhance the zesty lime notes in the cocktail, creating a refreshing finish to any meal.
5. Halloween Treats: For a fun, thematic pairing, serve the Mummy’s Mule with Halloween-themed snacks like “mummy” hot dogs, caramel apples, or candy corn. The playful presentation of the drink and snacks will delight guests of all ages.